It will be opened on 22nd April 2016 in the Rome countryside, at La Storta, at I Casali del Pino, the 7th edition of Floracult, gardening trade-show event which will be held from 22nd to 25th April 2016, created by the pioneer fashion designer, farmer and social activist Ilaria Venturini Fendi. The opening will feature some cultural events under the sign of nature and its hosts as the talk with Libereso Guglielmo – which will be held at the 11:00 – who will launch the book he made “Ricette per ogni stagione con le erbe e il fiori dalle Alpi al mare” (standing as “Recipes for every season with herbs and flowers from the Alps to the sea”), successfully evidencing to the extent is important how and what everyone eats. It will follow Silvia Assolari with the book launch of “Prati fioriti”, who ideated Seme nostrum and studying the natural fields in Friuli, the “Magredi”, she had the idea of making available into the market the seeds of wild plants. Elvira Imbellone and Mariano Josè Elkaràs Falkenberg will tell at 5:00 pm about the plants of welfare or rather plants as commonly used in the interior design contributing to purify the air and giving other benefits. The happening will be enriched of permanent events as “Contronatura”, exhibition event featuring the works by the artists Walter Di Paola, Fabio Alecci and Gianluca Esposito, the sculptures by Emy Petrini, a showcase on wild cooking, the spices and infusions by the herb garden Meo Fusciuni and an enchanted room which will host the suggestive little creatures peopling the nature, designing a healthy lifestyle under the sign of nature and sustainability. A not to be missed happening for all the ones who are devoted to nature and its culture.

Balance and fantasy, a game of shapes made by using the old technique of ceramic. Clay and fireclays give rise to vision of matter that remind cities and labyrinths, successfully joining the rigor and immediacy of artistic gesture and the functionality of design. Those are the features in the creations by the Brescia designer Adriana Albertini that have showcased in a suggestive, wide room during the sixth edition of Floracult.

Adriana Albertini, photo by N

Adriana Albertini, photo by N

Adriana Albertini, photo by N

The same room hosted the creations Anna Fendi that are under the sign of Epicureanism and refinement: a selection of chine and furniture concerning the table setting that embody the value of a made in Italy product and a wise craftsmanship, an alchemy talking about harmony and culture of taste. Shapes, flavors and colors depict the elegance, a lifestyle, the one which is impressed in the life and works of the bright creative.

“Blindly into the scent”, an experience under the sign of memory, that has been the olfactive and interactive installation made by the bright alchemist and herbalist Meo Fusciuni which featured in the sixt edition of Floracult. To turn back time, remind the present, past, fragments of life, faces, feelings, sounds connected to a scent. A Proustian becoming an unusual exercise through a sense, the olfaction, expressive medium which is rarely used to do that. The mysteries of olfactive design are infinite. It’ s a wide land to explore, magic of chemistry, molecules, emotions. Meo who usually tells about his own experiences, journeys through the scents he make, this time created something which has thought only to be shared with the others. A wrapping, playful and solemn experience, emphasized by a display of photography, poetries he wrote and the lyricism of a music he made, a suggestive discover I did during this circumstance. There were 12 boxes on a table in the room which hosted the installation, an olfactive path to do slowly and solemnly, a short emotional trip, made by using the nose. At the entering Meo gave a paper to fulfill in order to describe the existent or non-existent, more or less recent memory, connected to the fragrance(it was a game or rather a test and its result would has been anonymous or read for random during the talk held by the Psychology Gianni Brighetti on this theme). I still remember the scent of caramel embodied in a box which reminded me the candyfloss I joyfully ate when I was a child and go to the circus with my mother, then another strong smell which made me remind the smell of crowd and the energy during a concert of Iggy Pop I attended many times ago in Rome. The olfaction, a sense silently, clearly, deepness and lightness speaking. That evidences how much we can discover on ourselves, our interaction with the others and the world surrounding us through it, a successful epiphany.

Poetry and lightness, an elegy which celebrates the nature and its little hosts, this is “The natural stories”, the exhibition project by Olga Pong, bright milliner and accessories designer who featured in the sixth edition of Floracult, nursery-gardening event ideated by the fashion designer, farmer and social activist Ilaria Venturini Fendi and curated by the landscape architect Antonella Fornai which has recently held in I Casali del Pino, at La Storta, in the picturesque frame of Rome countryside. The culture and love for nature turns into shapes and visions, giving rise to delicate creations – hats and head accessories – unique pieces where it shines a wise craftsmanship and the excellence of made in Italy that has exhibited during the event and enriched by a site-specific installation of matter which reminded a big spider and its webs, made exclusively for the event by the designer. It’s an enchanting alchemy which talks about refinement, savoir faire, uniqueness and documents the overwhelming creativity of Olga. The lyricism becomes clear, incisive and at the same time light sign, key to decode the elegance, resulting from a lifestyle which takes over itself a vibrant aesthetics and an ethic which makes concrete healthy values and pays homage to the natural world.

Poetry, lightness, culture of nature, sweetness, an ontology of life and existence which depicts a genuine and conscious lifestyle under the sign of modesty, humility, solidarity, dynamism and kind anarchism. That is the thought of Angelo Naj Oleari, bright and eclectic individual – Fluxus artist, celebrated fashion designer of brand Naj Oleari which during the Eighties softened the dress-code of men and women, author and poet – featured along with Guido Piacenza in the opening talk of the sixth edition of nursery-gardening event Floracult ideated by Ilaria Venturini Fendi and curated by Antonella Fornai which has recently held at the Casali del Pino in La Storta, in the suggestive frame of Rome countryside.

Floracult, photo by N

Bright and vibrant ideas on the move are embodied in “Armonia selvatica, semi coraggiosi” (standing as “Wild harmony, brave seeds”, Ponte alle Grazie editions, 12,00 Euros), the book he made, launched during this circumstance, which directs to farmers, experts of this field and neophytes, asserting and evidencing with autobiographical tales where he talks about his life and experience, flowers, trees and insects with a deep love and respect arising from the loving care he gave in this realm, developed with the opening of the Milan Botanical Centre in 1975, impressed in the famous prints of cloths by Naj Oleari and recently crowned by the creation of International Association Brave Seeds which has the purpose of promoting the method of wild agriculture, an anarchic concept opposing to the monoculture (word reminding me the “One-dimensional man”, book by Herbert Marcuse, documenting the parallel rise of new forms of social repression in the capitalistic and communist society from whose arises the lack of freedom of people and promoting the great refusal, the negative thinking in order to oppose oneself to the methods of control) and considers the dynamism, genius loci, heritage of flora and fauna existing in a certain place, being favorable to the natural development of a certain plot. The one, like me, who is deeply ignorant in this realm, enriched oneself by new consciousnesses, by hearing his talk and reading the book he made. This theme could sound very far from who doesn’t use to take care – like me – of grasses, though he/she loves them, but it’s not like that.

photo by N

Nature is the metaphor of life and living, a lifestyle made of “a supportive movement”, a collaborative participation which turns itself into participative collaboration. That reminds the idea which is the core of Wikipedia, though it doesn’t come from the ether, but it arises from the land. It’s a cultural evolution starting from the farming and becoming culture, a monition to increase “the communication from the sky to the earth” – as Angelo asserts – “towards the being”. It shines the kind anarchism opposing to the will of power which gave rise to mono-cultural systems of control and supremacy in the political, state, military, religious, educational, working, industrial and unfortunately also agricultural. The idea of Angelo is to remove agriculture from the system in order to get the harmony in every other realm under the sign of a creative spirit, which makes everything change and re-form a spirit of great understanding. It continues talking about agriculture, but it’s not like that, or rather it’ s not only about that. Culture, knowledge, sociality, syncretism, removal from the ethic of “divide et impera” (“divide and conquer”) or the sterile categorical imperative of “produce, consume, die” featuring in the track “Morire” (“To die”) by CCCP giving rise to a blind consideration of needs in a consumerist way, which impoverishes the man where unnatural and unnecessary needs – as the ones defined by Epicurus – become essential. This and much more I will talk about widely soon is what is embodied in this book, precious instrument to think about and see the world surrounding us through another point of view, being much more simple, clear and healthy than the twisted ways where the individual often gets lost.

Ilaria Venturini Fendi talking about the event before its start, photo by N

It was held yesterday in the Rome countryside, at La Storta, in the Casali del Pino, “Seminare il futuro”(meaning “Sowing the future”), a smashing initiative launched by the chain of organic supermarkets Naturasì and hosted by the organic farm by the fashion designer and social activist Ilaria Venturini Fendi. A return to nature, its rhythm, a gesture talking about humanity, sharing and connecting again the man to the earth: to sow the seeds, the seeds of grain. This event, come to its third edition, was held simultaneously held in many farms inside out Italy. Many people, families and children attended at at “Seminare il futuro” and started to sow at 11:00 am. It was the first time I attended at this event and it was a beautiful experience, framed by a sunny day, I enjoyed very much. Me along with many people – after having a delicious breakfast made of organic products which also featured the delicious bread made exclusively for the event by the Casali del Pino along with other organic products given by Naturasì – started to sow the wheat seeds, a special type of wheat, the “Claudio” wheat, existing since the age of ancient Roman emperor Claudio. A special emotion was embodied in this gesture – to bring the seeds and spread them on the ground -, representing the idea of sharing, giving something of ourselves to the ground, the place hosting us. A precious consciousness, connected to humanity, the respect and love for environment. Those are the values successfully made concrete by the nice people who featured in the event who enthusiastically joined and spent one day under the sign of nature. Silence, interrupted by voices of children, the bleats of sheep, light swish of trees and enriched by Epicurean interludes (including a selection of organic cheeses made by using vegetal rennet and cold cuts by the Casali del Pino).

The culture of nature along with suggestions concerning fashion and interior design featured in Floracult, event created by Ilaria Venturini Fendi and curated by Antonella Fornai which was recently held in the Rome countryside, in La Storta at I Casali del Pino as the talk featuring the photographer and journalist Luca Bracali who talked about the book he made “A rose is a rose”. The book documents on photos the experience of a celebrated family owning a nursery since four generations, the Barni family which created renowned roses as the ones dedicated to iconic personas like Mariangela Melato, Anna Venturini Fendi and many others.

Luca Bracali along with a photo he took, photo by N

Luca Bracali , photo by N

Anna Venturini Fendi at the talk, showing me a necklace designed many years ago by Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi, photo by N

That was not the only chance to know more about flowers and plants. In fact the expert Vanda Del Valli talked about the uses of herbs since long times ago, as the Euphorbia, used as remedy against sifilis, the betel berries and the leaves of coca as stimulants and the peyote from which it arises the mescaline, powerful hallucinogenic, evoking the psychedelic culture from Sixties and Seventies, Jim Morrison, his dangerous habits, “The doors of perceptions” and “Heaven and hell” by Aldous Huxley.

Vanda Del Valli, photo by N

The Euphorbia

Peyote

Culture as well as fashion suggestions, the creations by Dora Giannetti aka Elisabeth the first, made by joining antique, research cloths to contemporary shapes as well as other unique pieces she made that are under the sign of a timeless elegance. The nice Marina of Verdiana & Beniamina, brand bringing the name of her two daughters, presented a series of dresses and shirts embodying high-end materials, a fine lace and other fun patterns. The brand having its atelier in Milan, in Via Marco Polo 13 also makes works of customization, renewing and reinterpreting the clothes everyone has in its own wardrobe. A smashing series of accessories completed the fashion showcase. I saw again the jewelry designer Simona Rinciari of whose work combines natural elements as berries, the cinnamon sticks, the fava beans and dry leaves to metal and gems, giving rise to unusual creations that make concrete a bright craftsmanship. Jewelry and hats, head accessories hand-made by Patrizia Romiti.

Elisabeth the first, photo by N

Elisabeth the first, photo by N

Elisabeth the first, photo by N

Elisabeth the first, photo by N

Marina of Verdiana & Beniamina, photo by N

Verdiana & Beniamina, photo by N

Verdiana & Beniamina, photo by N

Simona Rinciari, photo by N

Simona Rinciari, photo by N

Simona Rinciari, photo by N

Simona Rinciari, photo by N

Simona Rinciari, photo by N

Me wearing a hat by Patrizia Romiti

Patrizia Romiti, photo by N

Patrizia Romiti, photo by N

The Friulane slippers by Allagiulia, brand created by Giulia Campeol, were showcased in the area of Dedé maison, the renowned Rome boutique, placed in Via dei Pianellari 21 of smashing Theodora Bugel, focused on the creation and sale of furniture and homewear, which exhibited a catchy selection of objects. It shined the alchemic lightness and charme of scents by Meo Fusciuni aka The cousin of Fabio Quaranta – special individual I was very pleased of meeting and with whom I shared moments of life and Epicurean interludes – who showcased at the School of re-inventors, curated by Clara Tosi Pamphili and Alessio De Navasques, the scents he made as “Notturno” and “Luce” and turned into herbalist who made some magic potions to take care of oneself. An overwhelming experience which has colored of magic, warmth, color, fun and relax.

Life is sharing: Ilaria Venturini Fendi and me, photo by Stephan Hamel

The fifth edition of Floracult, event celebrating the nature and its culture, created by Ilaria Venturini Fendi and curated by Antonella Fornai – which was held in the Rome countryside, at La Storta, in I Casali del Pino -, opened with a series of smashing initiatives as the talk moderated by the journalist and author Ida Tonini starring Meo Fusciuni, modern alchemist who talked about his experiences with herbs, scents and his brand of artistic perfumery.

Meo Fusciuni (aka the cousin of Fabio Quaranta) and me, photo by N

Antonella Fornai, Ida Tonini and Meo Fusciuni, photo by N

The scents by Meo Fusciuni, photo by N

Federica Castellani, Meo Fusciuni as alchemist and some people who were interested in his magic potions at the School for Re-inventors, photo by N

Meo, nice and bright individual, who seemed me like the cousin ofFabio Quaranta (brilliant fashion designer and professor at the Iuav University of Venice). That became his second nick name adding to Meo Fusciuni, art name chosen by Giuseppe Imprezzabile, Sicilian man who is based in Salsomaggiore, of whose the family name Fusciuni arises from the Sicilian slang and stands as “to flow”. Meo told about his relationship with the scents, experience arisen for random. He studied chemistry, then worked with disabled people, became herbalist and later started studying anthropology and travelling. His scents have arisen during his journeys. Passion, love and nostalgia are some emotions the lack of love as it happened with “Notturno” and “Luce”, two fragrances that embodied the feelings of Meo, the nostalgia for his love, her life companion Federica Castellani, who were far away from him and her return, celebrate his love for her, featuring the warmth and sensuality of patchouli (one of my favorite fragrances along with vetiver and opoponax), spicy notes that are sweetened by tonka. Olfactive experiences and alchemic moments, connected to poetry and magic suggestions under the sign of Crowley’s experiences (another thing confirming the spiritual connection to Fabio Quaranta, his love for the bands that are Crowley inspired as Psychic TV, Coil and Current 93).

Floracult

Floracult

Floracult

Floracult

Floracult

Floracult

Carnations at Floracult

A successful experience which combined with other happenings, exhibition events that talked about nature, art and craftsmanship. The world of butterflies was depicted by “Patma”, the performance by Sasha Turchi which told about the rise of butterflies and “La memoria degli oggetti” by Pablo Mesa Capella, who created containers of memories and poetry.

Pablo Mesa Capella

Pablo Mesa Capella

Pablo Mesa Capella

Pablo Mesa Capella

Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by Davide Orlandi Dormino

Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by Davide Orlandi Dormino

Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by Davide Orlandi Dormino

Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

A butterfly featuring in Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

A butterfly featuring in Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

A butterfly featuring in Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

A butterfly featuring in Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

A butterfly featuring in Patma by Sacha Turchi, photo by N

The woods found into the sea of Pantelleria and their lyricism where the main features of installation by Giancarlo Scialanga which was emphasized by the sound design by Pietro Scialanga. Wood and craftsmanship shined in the suggestive furniture by the nice Alessandro Visi.

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Alessandro Visi, photo by N

Giancarlo Scialanga, photo by N

Giancarlo Scialanga, photo by N

Giancarlo Scialanga, photo by N

Giancarlo Scialanga, photo by N

Flowers, plants, little, big animals, delights as the licorice by Amarelli, creations inspired by nature where the alchemies by Floracult, dressed up by such a loving and genuine atmosphere which had a kind of magic. The warm welcome of place, kindness and congeniality of people I saw made all that marvelous, relaxing and fun.

I arrived in the Rome countryside, in La Storta at the I Casali del Pino, before the opening of Floracult, event celebrating the nature and its culture, created by Ilaria Venturini Fendi and curated by Antonella Fornai which runs through 27th April where I enjoyed and I am enjoying art, nature, its little hosts and many suggestions along with Epicurean interludes I tell you about soon dear FBFers.

It comes back Floracult, event celebrating the nature and its culture, ideated by Ilaria Venturini Fendi and curated by Antonella Fornai which will be held from25th to 27th April 2014 at the Casali del Pino, at La Storta in the Rome countryside where it will feature many initiatives under the sign of art, culture and sustainability. Plants, flowers and butterflies, these will be the themes of some talks as the one which will be held on 25th April at 11:00 am, starring the nose or rather the researcher of olfactive memory Meo Fusciuni who, accompanied by the author and journalist Ida Tonini, will talk about plants and scents. It will follow at 12:30 am the book launch of “A rose is a rose” by photographer and journalist Luca Bracali revealing the intimate beauty of a flower and telling about the experience of a family owning a nursery which since four generations joins search and experimentation. The entomologist Gianumberto Accinelli at 5:00 pm will tell about the “butterfly effect” or the creation of “ecological hallways” by using nettles, fennels and carrots, to bring the butterflies from the countryside and there will be along with him the photographer Stefano Nicolini who will present an exhibition project focused on the Monarch butterfly which is really endangered. Moreover Sunday 27th April at 11:00 am the expert Vanda Del Valli will reveal the different uses of succulent plants. Floracult will also host many permanent events as “Legni alla deriva”, exhibition of works by the artist Giancarlo Scialanga, woods of whose journey is told by music made by the sound designer Pietro Scialanga. It will be also on show “Padma” by Sacha Turchi combining the linen, cotton and canvas cloths, colored with dyes made of medical plants, to iron structures. Another project having a highly dreamy-like impact is “La memoria degli oggetti” by Mesa Capella. A fairy-tale story, evoked by objects, old cut photographs becoming surreal scenes that talk about past lives, the lives of others, caught for a moment, saved and protected under a bell jar. Art and craftsmanship on show, the one by Alessandro Visi, “menusier” or maker of furniture made of notched and sculpted wood and also to learn, purpose of the School for Re-inventors by Clara Tosi Pamphili and Alessio de Navasques which will host the workshop featuring Meo Fusciuni along with his plants and scents where it will be able to learn making and taking care of oneself by using natural elements. A not to be missed happening for all the ones who love or want to rediscover the nature and its culture.